As the release of Unit 33 approaches, some of you have asked: what’s the genesis of each story? In other words, how much is fact, and how much is fiction?

The short answer: every story is fictional. Still, many carry subplots or small details drawn from my real-life experiences—whether working in “Corporate America” or consulting with global organizations.

Without giving away plots, here are some of the nuances behind each piece. The final story is a prequel about Dan Holmes, his background, and how he came to meet several of the characters you’ll encounter as the series unfolds.

Story #1: Unit 33 – Dan Holmes’ Private Intelligence Unit

Entirely fictional, though inspired by the way some corporate security managers drew on outside resources to resolve financial crimes or turf wars. Ron and Abbey are fictional, but their roles and job duties could easily exist in reality.

Story #2: Bank Robbers Jackie McGregor and Carlos Valdez

Modern-day Bonnie and Clyde figures. Carlos’ character is loosely based on a bank robber I first encountered in 1980, though the story could just as easily play out today.

Story #3: Gang Wars and Foreign File Extractions

If you remember the radio and TV show Dragnet, you’ll recall the line: “The story you are about to hear is true. The names have been changed to protect the innocent.” That spirit applies here. The gang activity echoes my time in San Francisco, while Ron’s Middle East asset recovery is based on very different events from a different time and place.

Story #4: Ron Heads to South America While Abbey Goes Sailing

Ron’s South American journey is largely autobiographical—names and circumstances changed. It highlights how intelligence professionals may “leave the service,” but not the profession. Abbey’s sailing story happened to a colleague of mine, covered once by local news and then forgotten. I still wonder if she ever went sailing again.

Story #5: The Shaw Resort Murders

Set outside Mendocino, California, inspired by a resort my wife and I visited for over twenty years. The plot and characters are fictional, but the tension between law enforcement and private security remains true to life.

Story #6: Three Paintings, Five Murders

Family bank vaults unopened for decades, loyal staff, a house with secrets—it all sounds Hitchcockian. This one is rooted in actual events.

Story #7: Ellen Returns and Ron’s Friend Needs Help

Friends supporting friends. Abbey’s friend Ellen reappears, and Ron reconnects with someone from his past. One story is fiction; the other is real. Both raise questions of loyalty and “why?”

Story #8: San Francisco’s Olympic Club

Early in my consulting career, I visited the Olympic Club about a security issue. Surrounded by silver trophies and ornate settings, I joked, “If this went missing, someone would be in big trouble.” The manager shot back: “Trouble? Heads would roll.” That moment sparked this story. (No spoilers—no heads actually roll.)

So there you have it—some stories rooted in fact, others pure invention, and many a blend of both.